Swimmer near Sandbanks dies after beachgoers saw him struggling against strong currents

A swimmer who got into difficulties at a picturesque peninsular was dragged from the sea and resuscitated but could not be saved.

A man was seen having difficulties in the rip current outside the safe-swim areaDorset Police

An air ambulance was scrambled after people relaxing on the sandy beach on Saturday spotted the man struggling against strong currents and dialled 999.

Lifeguards pulled him from the water, which was outside the safe-swim area at Sandbanks, a beauty spot at the mouth of Poole Harbour which is thought to be one of the most expensive areas in the world to live.

Witnesses said attempts to revive the man, who is believed to have been visiting from Hertfordshire, continued for about an hour.

Meanwhile, in Aberdeen mother and son Julie Walker, 37, and Lucas, six, were killed after trying to help others who had got into difficulty while paddling in "choppy" water.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "At 3.37pm on Saturday 21 August 2016 police received a call from the RNLI at Sandbanks beach requesting assistance. It was reported that a man was seen having difficulties in the rip current outside the safe-swim area.

"Lifeguards recovered him from the water and performed CPR. Air Ambulance and paramedics attended, however he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene."

The death is not being treated as suspicious and an inquest is due to be opened.